Depression/post-partum depression

Have you worked with a therapist with regard to your depression? There's a lot that can be done in addition to medication. They can help you change the negative thought patterns that keep holding you back.

My post-partum was terrible. I've struggled with depression since I was 12 though - but it didn't get to the point where it completely debilitated me until after I had my son 9 years ago. My advice for you is to ask about getting on a different medicine - I was on Prozac, Paxil, and then Prozac again with Depakote, none of them took care of my depression symptoms. Depakote was only added to stop my night terrors, and that actually did work. Paxil worked briefly, but it made me feel more like a zombie than a normal person. I literally could not feel mad, sad, or any emotion other than just "fine", and the withdrawal from Paxil was hell.

I was put on Wellbutrin almost a year ago and just recently switched to Wellbutrin XL because it was just easier for me to take 1 pill every morning instead of 2 a day. Anyway, that has been working wonderfully for me ever since. I never thought I'd honestly ever get any relief from the depression. I think it is possible though, if you can find a knowledgeable psychiatrist. It can be a long and difficult process though - I really feel like I just got lucky. My doctor only prescribed me the Wellbutrin to help me quit smoking, and instead it ended up working to treat the depression. It is true though that if you work out regularly, it can help boost your mood and give you tons of energy! Just try it one step at time every day to do a little bit of exercise, even if it's just enough to get your heart racing and some sweat going. I really think it could help you. Good luck and hang in there!

I was on meds for 12 yrs, at first they were like a life saver, then they nearly ruined my life. Now I have been off for 5 years. Staying away from sugar and caffeine, (not always easy) has helped a lot with anxiety, and taking flax seed oil capsules have been huge for my anxiety (Which got a lot worse in the last two years, I believe from hormonal changes). Also I had to go gluten free this year, it's amazing how depressed I get, and how much irritability and anxiety I get if I do have gluten, sugar has similar affect. I often wonder if I knew what I know now about food, if maybe I wouldn't have had to go through what I went through. Even five years later, I still have side effects (don't know if they are permanent) from medication.

I say this as information, not to put down medications, and not to replace doctors advice and treatment. I feel we are very fortunate to have meds for things like this, when my mom, and her mom and so on had nothing. And certainly meds serve an important purpose. I think when it comes to treatment, there is almost never one magical piece, counseling, meds, healthy diets, workouts, support, and spirituality can all play a part in being and feeling healthy and functional.